GTank-LC &amp; Mini-GTank-LC

ABSTRACT

The GTank-LC &amp; Mini-GTank-LC ‘GTank’ is a supplemental fuel storage/delivery system that connects to and becomes an integral part of the existing fuel storage/delivery system of the Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC, increasing its capacity by between 2.0 and 2.5 gallons all the while not disrupting the normal fuel flow or intended operation of the ‘motorcycle’. This invention allows the operator to select fuel from either the existing fuel storage tank/cell or the new fuel storage tank/cell from either ‘GTank’ during normal operation of the ‘motorcycle’ without disruption or adversely affecting its use.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

A variety of new and older models of motorcycles have less than adequatefuel capacities that adversely limit their ability to be utilized forextended distances or in somewhat remote areas under certain conditions.

This limited storage capacity can also affect choice of planned routesbased on limitations of available refueling locations and can even bedangerous due to miscalculations causing fuel shortages on busy roads.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The installation and use of this supplemental fuel storage/deliverysystem, GTank-LC & Mini-GTank-LC, will greatly extend the usable rangeof the Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC, ‘motorcycle’, and allow for a greaterand more diverse usage of the same.

This invention adds to the storage capacity of the ‘motorcycle’ byeither 2.0 or 2.5 gallons. Effectively increasing its usable range by aminimum of 40% up to 61%, depending on which tank/cell is installed, theMini-GTank-LC at 40%, or GTank-LC at 61%.

This invention also adds to and becomes an integral part of the‘motorcycle's fuel system without affecting emissions and/or normalusage and is designed to be used at the riders will without adverselyaffecting the originally designed operational parameters of the fuelsystem of the ‘motorcycle’.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1: Top Plan View of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC noting locationsof the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples, mounting brackets andoverall shape and dimensions.

FIG. 2: Rear Elevation of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC notinglocations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples and overall shapeand dimensions.

FIG. 3: Bottom Plan View of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC notingoverall shape and dimensions.

FIG. 4: Front Elevation of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC notinglocations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples and overall shapeand dimensions

FIG. 5: Left Side Elevation of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC notinglocations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples, overall shape,dimensions and relational differences between the GTank-LC and theMini-GTank-LC.

FIG. 6: Right Side Elevation of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC notinglocations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples, overall shape,dimensions and relational differences between the GTank-LC and theMini-GTank-LC.

FIG. 7: A schematic of the complete supplemental fuel storage/deliverysystem, all relative components, new and existing, and theirrelationship to the invention and each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The GTank-LC & Mini GTank-LC, here-after referred to as ‘GTank’ areSupplemental Fuel Storage Cell/Tanks for the Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC,here after referred to as ‘Motorcycle’. The ‘GTank’ is located betweenand above the bottom of the lower frame rails, in front of the reartire, under the rear swing arm and behind and beside the rear shocks'lower connection point and is incorporated into and becomes an integralpart of the stock fuel system of the ‘Motorcycle’ by the installation ofthis New Supplemental Fuel Storage Cell/Tank, Additional FuelLines/Couplers/Fuel Valve/Fuel Filter and Revised Fuel System asDesigned/Drawn and Included here-in and as described in this Inventionto enable its use as a an integral part of the ‘Motorcycle’ fuel supplyand operation.

Clarification

The only distinguishing difference between the GTank-LC andMini-GTank-LC is the shortening of the ‘ends’ on the ‘Rear Side’ of theMini-GTank-LC. The larger, GTank-LC, has a 2.5 gallon capacity, whilethe smaller Mini-GTank-LC has a 2.0 Gallon capacity, due to theshortened ends. All other aspects, use, locations, layout, parts andpanels, except for the shortened end pieces are identical between thetwo versions.

Fuel Line Routing

First Fill Line 1 routes from the GTank Fill Line to the first ‘L’coupler tapped into the existing fill line.

First Vent Line routes from the GTank Vent Line to the first ‘Y’ couplertapped into the existing vent line.

First Draw Line routes from the existing fuel storage tank to the topnipple of the first fuel valve.

Second Draw Line routes from the lower nipple of the first fuel valve tothe GTank fuel nipple.

Third Draw Line, first half, routes from the first fuel filter to theexisting fuel pump.

Third Draw Line, second half, routes from the center nipple of the firstfuel valve to the first fuel filter.

Couplers 2ea

The ‘L’ coupler connects the ‘GTank’ fill hose to the existing fillerhose allowing for simultaneous fuel cell/tank filling from the stockfill location and is made from materials not affected by contact withfuel or fuel fumes, predominantly nylon.

The ‘Y’ Connector ties the ‘GTank’ vent hose into the existing ventsystem to allow for simultaneous venting of both tanks utilizing thestock venting system and is made from materials not affected by contactwith fuel or fuel fumes, predominantly nylon.

Fuel Valve

The fuel valve is a 2-way valve allowing the rider to manually directfuel flow from either the ‘GTank’ or the stock fuel tank/cell to thestock fuel pump at the discretion of the operator. The fuel valve issecured to the ‘Motorcycle’ in the area of the stock ignition switch andis accessible by the operator at any time before or during normalmotorcycle operation.

Operation

The operator fills the ‘GTank’ simultaneously and in the same fuelfiller location as the stock fuel tank. The ‘GTank’ requires slightlylonger fill times due to its smaller ½′ filler line, thus filling speedshould be reduced after the main tank is filled to reduce the potentialfor spillage. The filling process is complete when the fuel visible inthe stock filler neck no longer drains down into either tank/cell.Always perform the filling operation while standing next to the‘Motorcycle’ with it on its kickstand and all power shut off.

The stored fuel of the ‘GTank’ should be utilized first due to the lackof a fuel gauge, then the rider/operator can redirect the fuel by movingthe valve handle 180 degrees directing fuel to be drawn from the maintank/cell, while operating the ‘motorcycle’ under normal conditions.Operation of the motorcycle continues, uninterrupted, while fuelconsumption is being tracked through the stock fuel gauge on the stockfuel tank/cell.

1) A supplementary fuel storage/delivery system added to the existingfuel system of a motorcycle comprising: a supplemental fuel storagecell/tank added to said motorcycle; a first fill line coupled to fillline of said existing system; a first vent line coupled to vent line ofsaid existing system; a first draw line coupled to first fuel valve; asecond draw line coupled to said first fuel valve; a first fuel filtercoupled to third draw line coupled to said first fuel valve; a saidfirst fuel valve controlling fuel flow between said existing fuel systemand said supplementary fuel storage/delivery system. 2) Thesupplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 wherein: saidmotorcycle is Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC, all years, all sub models, allvariations, all adaptations there-of. 3) The supplementary fuelstorage/delivery system of claim 2 wherein: said fuel storage cell/tankis welded aluminum with exterior coating of spray-on epoxy. 4) Thesupplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 3 wherein: said fuelstorage cell/tank is formed, fitted and secured in position under saidmotorcycle between and above lower portion of frame rails, in front ofrear tire. 5) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 2wherein: said capacity of storage cell/tank can be either 2.0 US gallonsor 2.5 US gallons. 6) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system ofclaim 1 further comprising: said fill line coupler is ‘L’ shaped fuelresistant, secured to said existing fill line and said first fill line.7) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 furthercomprising: said vent line coupler is ‘Y’ shaped fuel resistant, securedto said existing vent line and said first vent line. 8) Thesupplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 furthercomprising: said first draw line couples to said first fuel valve, saidsecond draw line couples to said first fuel valve, said third draw linecouples to said first fuel valve. 9) The supplementary fuelstorage/delivery system of claim 8 wherein: said first fuel valvediverts fuel through three nipples, one for said first draw line, onefor said second draw line, one for said third draw line, with diverterhandle to select fuel flow from between said draw lines coupled to saidthree nipples. 10) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system ofclaim 1 further comprising: said first fuel filter couples to said thirddraw line, filtering fuel entering said existing fuel pump. 11) Thesupplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 furthercomprising: said first fill line, said first vent line, said first drawline, said second draw line, said third draw line are reinforced fuelrated lines intended for automotive fuel usage.